Gators Triumph Against Knights

On the brisk evening of October 11th, in a rare Thursday night contest, the Gators took on
the Climax/Fisher Knights and triumphed by a margin of 28 – 20 with help from some clutch offensive plays and a dominating 4th quarter defensive effort.

The Gators came out clicking offensively in the first half and quickly moved downfield behind an outstanding effort by the Gator offensive line, consisting of tight end Brayden Larson, guard Cody Olafson, center Steven Hlucny, and guard John Westman. However, each of their first two drives ended in fumbles, allowing the Knights to take a 6 – 0 lead on a fumble return for a touchdown. The Gator defense held the Knights in check offensively as well with some key 4 th down stops throughout the first half and the score remained 6 – 0 at the break. 

In the second half, the Gators would get on the board on their first drive on a 3 yard Brayden Larson pass reception from Jacquan Rhen to tie the score at 6 – 6. On their next possession, the Gators would again strike paydirt with a Jacquan Rhen 35 yard touchdown run on 3 rd and long. The conversion was good on an Alex Rhen pass reception from Jacquan Rhen to put the score at 14 – 6.

On the opening play of their next possession, the Knights responded with a 69 yard touchdown pass. After a successful conversion, the score was again tied 14 – 14. The Gators next drive stalled after 3 plays, and the Knights blocked the Gator punt to give them a short field with which to work. On their first play, the Knights scored on a 27 yard run to take a 20 – 14 lead to begin the fourth quarter. With their backs against the wall and facing adversity, the Gators responded in the face of adversity and played their best team football of the season.

On the next Gator possession, Alex Rhen found the endzone from 8 yards out to tie the score at 20. The Gators then stopped the Knights on their final four possessions with some great defense. Sophomore Cody Kirkeide, filling in for injured senior Tanner Creviston,  made a clutch pass break-up on 3rd down to stop the Knights from taking the lead. After a clutch sack on 4 th down by Alex Rhen, the Gators took the ball over with 1:28 left on the clock and one timeout. Facing a 4th down and 4, the drive was highlighted by a 27 yard touchdown reception by Aaron Dostal from Jacquan Rhen over a Knight defender for the game-winning touchdown with 12 seconds remaining to seal the victory.

The Gators were led offensively by Alex Rhen who had 27 carries for 152 yards and a
touchdown and Jacquan Rhen who had 13 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown. Jacquan
Rhen also completed 11 of 22 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown. The leading receiver for the Gators was Aaron Dostal who had 4 receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown.

With the win, the Gators improve to 4 – 3 on the season and are in action on Tuesday, 10/16 at 3:30 pm in Lancaster against the Kittson County Central Bearcats.